How to Winterize Your Concrete Driveway and Patio

As the leaves start to fall in Traverse City, we know what’s right around the corner: another beautiful but rugged Northern Michigan winter. At A+ Concrete, we’ve worked with concrete in every season, and we understand how the freeze-thaw cycles of our local climate can take a serious toll on your driveway and patio. That's why it’s so important to prepare now, before the snow flies. In this post, we’ll walk you through practical, seasonal steps you can take to protect your concrete from cracking, pitting, and long-term damage.

Why Winterizing Matters in Traverse City

Living in Traverse City means your concrete is exposed to extreme weather swings, from heavy snowfall and deep freezes to springtime thaws. These fluctuations can cause expansion and contraction in your concrete, often leading to:

• Surface scaling
• Cracks from water infiltration
• Spalling caused by deicing salts
• Deterioration from freeze-thaw cycles

We want your driveway and patio to last for decades, not just survive the winter. That's why winterizing is a crucial part of seasonal maintenance in Northern Michigan.

Step 1: Clean the Surface Thoroughly

Start by sweeping away debris, leaves, and dirt. Then power wash your concrete to remove stains, mold, or embedded grime. Any leftover organic matter can trap moisture, which leads to faster degradation when it freezes.

We always recommend doing this before the first frost to give your concrete time to dry completely.

Step 2: Inspect and Repair Cracks

Even the smallest crack can grow into a bigger issue once water gets in and freezes. Use a concrete-safe crack filler to patch minor damage. If you notice larger cracks or pitting, let us take a look. We offer professional repair services that can restore the integrity of your slab before winter makes things worse.

Step 3: Apply a Quality Sealer

A penetrating concrete sealer is your best defense against winter weather. It helps repel water, resist salt damage, and reduce freeze-thaw stress. We recommend reapplying sealer every 2–3 years, but if your driveway or patio sees a lot of wear, it might need it annually.

We use high-quality, breathable sealers that work well with the specific concrete mixes used throughout Traverse City and surrounding areas.

Step 4: Avoid Deicing Salts

While it’s tempting to use store-bought deicers, many contain harsh chemicals that eat away at concrete surfaces. Instead, we suggest using sand or kitty litter to improve traction without causing damage. If you must use a deicer, choose one labeled as safe for concrete; calcium magnesium acetate is a better option.

Step 5: Shovel Promptly and Use Plastic Tools

Keeping your concrete clear of snow helps minimize moisture buildup. We always advise using plastic shovels rather than metal ones to avoid scratching your sealed surface. Snowblowers are fine, too—just make sure the blades are properly adjusted to avoid gouging.

Want Help Protecting Your Concrete?

If winterizing feels overwhelming, we’re here to help. At A+ Concrete, we offer seasonal maintenance and repair services designed specifically for homes in Traverse City and the surrounding region.

Whether you need professional sealing, crack repair, or just want a second set of eyes on your driveway or patio before the cold sets in, give us a call at 231-218-7630 or email aplusmail88@gmail.com. We’ll get you a quote and help ensure your concrete stays solid all season long. Let’s get your concrete winter-ready before the snow shows up.